The Clippers’ basketball people were on board, putting Donald Sterling in a rare position as the voice of reason. Sterling said he didn’t want to disrupt chemistry in one of the league’s closest locker rooms, which Aldridge takes to mean the Clippers are worried they could make a deal that angers Chris Paul, who becomes a free agent in the offseason.

Butler has blended well into the Clippers' offense and offered 15.2 points and 4.3 rebounds for the season. At age 32, his defense is not what it used to be, but the Clippers are not known for their ability to shut down opponents.

Where Butler struggles, Ariza excels. Ariza, 27, is a rangy defender capable of chasing players like Kevin Durant in the Western Conference. But his struggles are on offense. Ariza rates below Butler in points per game, field goal percentage and 3-point percentage. He averages 12.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.

Trade-offs continue in the salary department, with Butler making $16 million through 2014. Ariza will take in $15 million but could opt out at the end of the season. If he were on a top team like the Clippers, Ariza would be less likely to do so.